The Effects of Home-Based Strengthening Calf Muscle Exercise Program with Graduated Compression Stockings on Disease Severity, Muscle and Joint Function, and Quality of Life Among People with Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Issued Date
2026-04-01
Resource Type
eISSN
22279032
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105037217352
Journal Title
Healthcare Switzerland
Volume
14
Issue
8
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Healthcare Switzerland Vol.14 No.8 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Sisayanarane K., Chaiviboontham S., Pokpalagon P., Kittitirapong N., Sonpee C. The Effects of Home-Based Strengthening Calf Muscle Exercise Program with Graduated Compression Stockings on Disease Severity, Muscle and Joint Function, and Quality of Life Among People with Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Healthcare Switzerland Vol.14 No.8 (2026). doi:10.3390/healthcare14081045 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116531
Title
The Effects of Home-Based Strengthening Calf Muscle Exercise Program with Graduated Compression Stockings on Disease Severity, Muscle and Joint Function, and Quality of Life Among People with Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Abstract
Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by venous dysfunction in the lower extremities, leading to increased venous pressure, edema, and reduced quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the additional effect of a structured home-based calf muscle strengthening exercise program when combined with standard compression therapy, by comparing disease severity, musculoskeletal function, and quality of life over time between patients receiving compression therapy alone and those receiving combined intervention. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 50 patients with CVI (CEAP C<inf>3</inf>–C<inf>5</inf>), who were assigned to an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Disease severity was measured using the Revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS), and swelling, muscle, and joint function were assessed using calf muscle strength and ankle range of motion. Quality of life outcomes were assessed using the chronic venous disease quality of life questionnaire (CIVIQ-20). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. This trial was registered retrospectively at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: TCTR20260307002). Results: Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for disease severity (right leg: F = 81.562, p < 0.001, η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.630; left leg: F = 73.765, p < 0.001, η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.606), indicating greater improvement in the experimental group over time. Calf muscle strength significantly increased in the experimental group (right leg: F = 395.246, p < 0.001, η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.892; left leg: F = 87.278, p < 0.001, η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.645). Ankle range of motion also improved significantly (p < 0.001). Quality of life showed significant improvement with a group × time interaction effect (F = 66.104, p < 0.001, η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.579). Conclusions: A structured home-based calf muscle strengthening exercise program combined with compression therapy produced significant improvements in disease severity, musculoskeletal function, and quality of life over time, demonstrating an additive therapeutic effect in patients with CVI.